“What ideas?” Madam Bouffant frowned.
“Ideas of being a lady. You convinced him to let you come, didn’t you?”
Madam Bouffant shrugged and gave a sly smile.
“I thought so,” Bridget said. “You wanted Lady Eamont to know about your liaison. It’s why you were so blatantly flirtatious in front of her.”
“It’s not that I wanted her to know.” Madam Bouffant flopped onto the canopy bed. “It’s that I am tired of hiding all the time. George isn’t the first patron I’ve had, but he is the first one who truly loves me, and she should get used to that. She should accept my presence in his life. I will be discreet, but I won’t hide anymore.”
“Anymore? You said Lord Eamont was a new patron.”
“Yes, but I intend to keep him. He’s good to me, and he loves me.”
“Lady Eamont isn’t a timid woman, and she won’t accept your presence in her husband’s life—at least not if you flaunt it in her face. She will try to get rid of you by any means necessary. Why else do you think she planted this ring under your mattress?”
“Are you saying that Lady Eamont put it there?”
“Yes. That much is obvious. She very plainly stated that she never takes the ring off her finger. I doubt a thief would be so bold as to creep into her chamber in the middle of the night and remove the ring from her finger as she slept.”
“She must have put it there when I took a late-night stroll with George to see the stars. Afterward, we returned to my chambers and…” She trailed off.
“That wasn’t very wise. I daresay she is keeping a sharp eye on her husband. She must have waited up until she heard him creep out of his chamber. It’s adjacent to hers, after all. Be warned. This was her attempt to get you out of her life. And it won’t be the last time she tries.”
“Let her. I shall keep my wits about me. But in the meantime, what about the ring? I won’t hang for something I didn’t do.” Madam Bouffant touched her neck.
“Yes. Stealing something as valuable as this ring is certainly a hanging offense. Let that be a lesson to you about Lady Eamont’s character. Now, if you want my help, you must do what I say. I simply cannot have you and Lord Eamont ruining the reputation of Villa De Lacey.”
“I won’t give George up. He’s my best patron,” Madam Bouffant said firmly.
“I’m not telling you to—at least not forever—but you must give him up as long as you are staying here. That means no more secret smiles between you and Lord Eamont at the table and no more walks together. He’s here with his family and humiliating his wife in public is going to end badly. You will have to separate yourself from the otherguests, I’m afraid.”
Madam Bouffant pulled her mouth into a pout.
Bridget held up the ring. “Or I can call the magistrate and have him arrest you for theft.”
“You would see an innocent woman hang?”
Of course not! How could you think such a thing?Bridget’s mind screamed. But she forced herself to remain expressionless and said coolly, “I’d rather not.”
“I don’t believe you.” Madam Bouffant folded her arms.
“Then believe this. I want to keep Villa De Lacey more than Lady Eamont wants to keep her husband, and she has already proven that she is prepared to sacrifice your neck to do so.”
The scowl on Madam Bouffant’s face deepened.
Bridget sighed. She needed to make this woman understand. Threats weren’t likely to help. “I’m sorry if I sound harsh, but recently, I lost almost everything. Now, this inn is all my aunt and I have. It’s my home. Our survival depends on its success, so I will do whatever I must to ensure that.”
The actress contemplated Bridget. Then she nodded. “I can understand that. But what am I to tell George?”
“The truth. His wife isn’t stupid, but I imagine he’s worked that out already and realized he has made a big mistake.”
Madam Bouffant let out a defeated sigh and nodded.
“Good,” Bridget said, “then all shall be well again.” She smiled. “I’ll have one of the maids bring a breakfast tray to your suite. You might want to stay in here while I sort out this mess with Lady Eamont’s ring.” She turned and exited the room, pleased to have gained the actress’s cooperation but uncertain whether this was the end of the matter.
*
Bridget stood inthe hall with her back pressed against Madam Bouffant’s door and her eyes closed. She looked exhausted and Nate felt a pang of pity for her. The guests had only arrived a few days ago, but they’d already caused her a mountain of problems. He wondered if this inn had been a good idea after all. He hadn’t realized how difficult it would be trying to please ladies and gentlemen of the ton all day. It gave him a new appreciation for his valet, and he vowed to be less particular and demanding from here on in.
